mechanical lifters
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: McAlester, OK
mechanical lifters
So what are the bad/good points of mechanical lifters? I've just heard that they wear out or something quicker than hydralics. I was thinking about those and adjustable lifters for my engine. I don't mind regular matieneince.
Clayton
Clayton
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Joined: May 2002
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mechanical lifters
I'm about to find out myself.
PERFORMANCE -- THEORY VS. REALITY:
In theory (according to the model in Dyno2000) the mechanical cam/lifter combo had a better high and low end. I compared the favorite Crane '801 with my 341191 and that was the case. But again, this is with a computer model and *not* a real dynamometer.
ADJUSTMENTS:
I've heard some folks say that you need to adjust the clearance every oil change. I've also heard that if your adjusters are not prone to loosening, you can stretch that out to once or twice per year.
NOISE:
I've heard folks comment that they make more noise. I guess I'll find out.
MODIFICATIONS:
Some folks say that you need to add certain threaded plugs in the oil passages with a solid lifter cam, but I ordered shell-type solid lifters so I'm not doing those mods.
MY REASONS:
My main reason for going with the solid lifter cam was to have a PITA motor. Something a little temperamental, that I'd get to tinker with. Something to give me the full hot rodder experience. We'll see how it goes. The block gets bored (hopefully) this week.
--Matt
PERFORMANCE -- THEORY VS. REALITY:
In theory (according to the model in Dyno2000) the mechanical cam/lifter combo had a better high and low end. I compared the favorite Crane '801 with my 341191 and that was the case. But again, this is with a computer model and *not* a real dynamometer.
ADJUSTMENTS:
I've heard some folks say that you need to adjust the clearance every oil change. I've also heard that if your adjusters are not prone to loosening, you can stretch that out to once or twice per year.
NOISE:
I've heard folks comment that they make more noise. I guess I'll find out.
MODIFICATIONS:
Some folks say that you need to add certain threaded plugs in the oil passages with a solid lifter cam, but I ordered shell-type solid lifters so I'm not doing those mods.
MY REASONS:
My main reason for going with the solid lifter cam was to have a PITA motor. Something a little temperamental, that I'd get to tinker with. Something to give me the full hot rodder experience. We'll see how it goes. The block gets bored (hopefully) this week.
--Matt
Last edited by mlf72f250; May 15, 2003 at 02:33 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
mechanical lifters
If you plan on running the stock adjustable rockers, then get extra rockers & pushrods cause you're gonna need both. The adjustment bolts have an interference fit thread and over time they'll loosen up and then you'll start to bend push rods. I strongly suggest getting rockers with positive locks ( jam nuts) Stock solid ( not shell) lifters are hour glass shaped and will require that the lifter oil passages be plugged or you'll loose oil pressure. ( not just a little but a massive loss )
